A Beginner’s Guide to PC Components

Choosing the right components for your build can seem scary or confusing at first, but once you get started, you’ll see that it can actually be very simple and exciting. This guide should give you enough understanding to make the process much less daunting.

Processor (CPU)

The processor, or Central Processing Unit, is the brain of the computer. It tells the other components of your PC how to act on the instructions you provide. This makes the rest of the system like the body of the computer.

The CPU is easily the most important component for any computer. The two largest and most popular manufacturers of processors are Intel and AMD. For AMD you’ll likely want a third generation Ryzen, or Threadripper for a high-end build. Intel’s Core i processors are excellent choices and you’ll probably want to pick up a 12th Gen i5 or i7 if you’re wanting a gaming or streaming build. If you’re shooting for real high-end performance, then an i9 might be a better option.

Motherboards

The motherboard connects all of your computer’s components together and allows communication between them. As with all other PC parts, there is a large variety of motherboards to choose from and they all range in performance.

Your choice of motherboard will primarily depend on which CPU you’d like to have as well as what other capabilities you want for your PC. The motherboard must be compatible with your choice of CPU.

Video Card/Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

If you’re looking to build a PC for gaming, the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) will be your most important component. The GPU is what makes your games look so good and if you’re a gamer, you know just how important having a crystal clear gaming experience can be.

The two most popular GPU companies are AMD and Nvidia. Depending on your budget, you can get a lower-end GPU like the GeForce RTX 3050 from Nvidia, or the Radeon RX 6500 from AMD. If you want supreme performance, Nvidia’s RTX 3090 Ti is the best of the best in GPUs, with the Radeon RX 6900 XT from AMD close in second.

If gaming performance is your goal, the GPU although expensive is definitely going to be worth every penny. A high end GPU is going to provide you with higher resolutions and framerates, giving you an edge in gaming.

Memory/RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) is your PC’s short-term memory. It holds data you use regularly so your PC has quick access to it. It’s different from your regular storage devices in that RAM loses the data when it doesn’t have power, which is why you still need storage drives.

RAM is something you want to have a lot of. If you want to keep your PC usable for several years, it’s best to have at least 16Gb or 32Gb. Keep in mind your motherboards specifications for it as well.

Storage

Your storage device is where all of your data is kept. All files, games, operating system and other data are held on your storage drive. Previously, storage was primarily hard disk drives (HDD), but now solid state drives (SSD) are more common. SSDs are faster, quieter, and more durable, but also cost more.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

The Power Supply Unit (PSU) provides power to all working components of your PC. The single most important thing to consider with the PSU is wattage. You’ll need to make sure your PSU can supply enough wattage to power everything in your build.

Monitors

Every good PC build needs good external components as well. One of the most important is your Monitor. If you spend the money to put a good GPU into your build, you want a good monitor to show off those high-end graphics.

You can purchase a simple 1920×1080 monitor or TV if you want, but if you invested in a good system, you may want a higher resolution, like 2540×1440, or even 3840×2160 (4K) for extremely clear images. You can also consider a higher refresh rate like 144Hz or even 240Hz, which will make everything appear smoother. Depending on your choice of GPU, you may want to purchase a monitor that supports either Nvidia’s G-Sync or AMD’s Freesync, as this will minimize screen tearing.

Once you’ve acquired all of your parts, it’s time to start building.

Many people find this part to be the most intimidating, but once you get started, you’ll see that it’s much easier than it seems. Provided you’ve done your research to ensure everything is compatible, there’s nothing to worry about.